What do you need to survive for a month?

Preparing for an Extended Emergency

When you need to be self-sufficient for an extended period, preparation is essential. Water is your absolute highest priority, and standard emergency planning recommends factoring in roughly one gallon per person for each day to cover drinking and basic hygiene.

Alongside hydration, your supply cache needs reliable sustenance. Stock up on non-perishable food items that require minimal preparation, such as canned goods, energy bars, and dried foods that can sustain you and your household without relying on refrigeration or a working stove.

Communication and visibility are just as critical during a prolonged crisis. Keep a durable flashlight nearby alongside extra batteries, and ensure you have a battery-powered or hand-crank radio—ideally a NOAA Weather Radio—so you can stay informed about local updates, weather alerts, and emergency instructions when standard power lines or internet services go down.